From 41m
ago
08.35 BST
Morning
opening: Russia wants to 'wriggle out' of meeting, Zelenskyy says
Jakub
Krupa
Ukrainian
president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia’s Vladimir Putin of “trying to
wriggle out of holding a meeting” to discuss peace arrangements, saying: “They
don’t want to end this war.”
Zelenskyy
pointed to continuing Russian strikes on Ukraine, including on an American
company’s facilities in Mukachevo, and a growing number of alleged provocations
against Nato countries, including Lithuania and Poland. “[These are] not
accidents – Russian impudence,” he said.
“We
expect our partners to respond in a principled manner. This war must be brought
to an end. Pressure must be exerted on Russia to end the war. Putin understands
nothing but force and pressure.”
He was
also quick to pick up on US president Donald Trump’s suggestion of more
offensive actions.
Trump on
Thursday appeared to vent his frustration at Russia’s obstruction. In a post on
Truth Social, the US president blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for not
allowing Ukraine to “fight back” against Russia.
He said:
“It is
very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders
country. It’s like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is
not allowed to play offense. There is no chance of winning! It is like that
with Ukraine and Russia. Crooked and grossly incompetent Joe Biden would not
let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND. How did that work out? … Interesting times
ahead!!!”
Zelenskyy
responded:
Of
course, we will continue doing everything to protect our country and people.
President Trump is absolutely right—this must be done not only in defense.
Meanwhile, we do not slow down in diplomacy, so that negotiations to bring
peace closer can finally take place.
Let’s see
what today brings.
Elsewhere,
I will be also keeping an eye on the EU’s reactions to the EU-US joint
statement on trade, and on wildfires affecting Spain and Portugal.
I will
bring you all the key updates here.
It’s
Friday, 22 August 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good
morning.
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